Abby had a wonderful pregnancy with Mabel. She planned for as natural a childbirth as possible, took classes and prepared but her labor was long and she finally reached a point where she just couldn't do it anymore. She ultimately delivered via cesarean and says that while she's had some second thoughts since it was definitely the best option for her in the moment.

Postpartum recovery was painful but went well. Abby chose to breastfeed and she and Mabel had a very positive experience. She says she felt tethered while she was nursing though having to be available every couple of hours, it wasn't until she weaned that she began to feel like herself again.

Abby says that most of the women she knows have "bounced back" postpartum but her body has seemingly forever changed. She is working to shift the focus for herself and set a positive example for her daughter. Motherhood and all that it encompasses has been a wonderful transition and she very much wanted to take a moment to document this time with Mabel.